Assessing the Effect of Illegal Immigration On National Security in Tanzania

Abstract

vi ABSTRACT Illegal immigration refers to the movement of individuals across national borders in violation of the immigration laws and regulations of the destination country. This study aimed to assess the effect of illegal immigration on national security in Tanzania, focusing on the Arusha City Council. The specific objectives included identifying prevalent forms of illegal immigration, evaluating their socio-economic impacts on national security, and proposing strategies to combat the issue. Adopting a pragmatic philosophy, the study employed a mixed research approach and a case study research design. The population consisted of 85 individuals from immigration offices and local administrative bodies. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved closed-ended questionnaires, interviews, and document review. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were utilized for data analysis. The study revealed various forms of illegal immigration in Arusha City Council, such as border crossings without proper documentation and visa overstays. It also highlighted the strain on public services and economic stability caused by illegal immigration. Effective strategies suggested included enhancing border control and imposing penalties on employers hiring illegal immigrants. This concludes that illegal immigration in Arusha City Council occurs through undocumented entries, visa overstays, and fraudulent documents, straining public services, increasing job competition, and depressing wages. Furthermore, the study recommended comparative research across different regions to better understand the nuances of illegal immigration and its consequences